UT System President Randy Boyd Is a Friend of 4-H

Before becoming president of the University of Tennessee (UT) System, Randy Boyd was familiar with 4-H but didn’t have a true grasp of the breadth and size of the state’s program or its impact on Tennessee youth.

“When I became president, I made a commitment to visit all Extension offices across the state’s 95 counties and got to visit with the 4-H leader at each one,” Boyd says. “I became fascinated with all the incredible programs 4-H offered.”

Agriculture Is Just the Beginning

Boyd says that agriculture is one important facet of 4-H, educating young people about the industry’s economic value and building the future of the industry. But he also highlights 4-H’s role in civic engagement as being vital for future leaders of the state.

“I’ve realized in my position as president that few people really understand how government works or are engaged in it,” he says. “One of the best things I’ve seen in 4-H is how it teaches civic engagement and public speaking.”

As Boyd began to learn more from the state’s Extension and 4-H agents, he spearheaded initiatives to further support and grow Tennessee’s program.

Growth for the Future

“One of my biggest initiatives is to help the 4-H camps get additional funding from the legislature to increase programming, safety and camp facilities in general,” Boyd says.

4-H camps provide an engaging summer experience for youth, with everything from outdoor activities to crafting, music and more.

Lone Oak Farms in Middleton, Tennessee, features a new 4-H & Youth Development Center that reinforces lessons in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for campers. Boyd says that his hope is for other camps to have similar centers in the future, creating robust learning locations across the state.

See more: Martha Jo Tolley Wins 2023 4-H Alumni Leadership Award

He adds that more security is needed at camps as well. In 2019, $1.7 million was used for new security measures to keep campers safe, and Boyd plans to continue that initiative.

He says lots of new programming for 4-H is on the table for upcoming legislative sessions, and he plans to tour camps accompanied by key legislators to show their importance.

“It’s essential to have legislative support behind 4-H,” Boyd says. “Previously, there wasn’t a 4-H program in Lake County because of the lack of Extension agents. Thanks to the support of the governor and state legislators, we were able to procure funding for 32 new agents to support Tennessee’s most underserved counties as well as a dedicated agent for 4-H in Lake County.”

An Unexpected Honor

For his continued efforts and support of the program, Boyd was presented with the 2023 Friend of 4-H Award. This award is given each year at 4-H Congress to a supporter who has gone above and beyond and honors those who have contributed time and resources to young 4-H’ers across Tennessee.

“I’m so in love with the 4-H program and a passionate supporter,” Boyd says. “The award was such an unexpected honor.”

And for Boyd, there’s no plan to slow down.

“We have the best 4-H program in the country, and we’re going to keep making sure everyone knows that.”

To learn more about the Friends of 4-H program, visit tn4hfoundation.org/friends-of-4-h.